Proactive and Thorough: Preventative Care Means Longer, Happier Lives

Parasites are an ongoing threat to dogs. To keep your best friend healthy, it's important to provide them with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. These parasites are active for much of the year, so your dog's prevention routine should continue year-round. External parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are not only irritating but can also transmit harmful diseases.

Flea bites can cause allergic reactions and skin infections. Ticks can spread Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease, which is potentially fatal. The best way to minimize your dog's risk of infection is to keep them on parasite prevention for life.

Our Recommended Parasite Preventatives

Our hospital in Annandale carries effective parasite preventatives for dogs, including:

  • Bravecto – A flea and tick preventative available as a chewable tablet or liquid topical application. One dose protects your dog for up to three months.
  • Tri-Heart Plus – A monthly chewable tablet that protects against heartworm disease.

For the highest level of protection, we recommend keeping your dog on preventatives all year round. If you're not sure which preventatives are best for your dog or when to start, we're here to help! Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best prevention routine to ensure your dog stays safe. If your dog has missed a few doses, we can help you get back on track. Call us today at (703) 256-8414.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Flea and Tick Prevention

How often does my dog need flea and tick prevention?
Most preventatives are applied monthly, though some newer options provide protection for three months or longer. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended in Northern Virginia, where fleas and ticks are active even in cooler months.

What flea and tick products do you recommend for dogs?
We recommend veterinary-grade products like Simparica Trio, Bravecto, NexGard, or Credelio depending on your dog's size, age, and health history. Over-the-counter products are often less effective and sometimes unsafe. We'll recommend the best option at your visit.

Can my dog still get fleas even if they stay indoors?
Yes. Fleas can hitch a ride on clothing, other pets, or come through screen doors. Indoor dogs in the DC Metro area still benefit from year-round prevention.

What diseases can ticks transmit to dogs in Virginia?
Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis are all found in Northern Virginia. Consistent tick prevention and annual tick-borne disease testing are the best defense.

Is Columbia Pike Animal Hospital open 24/7 if my dog has a flea or tick emergency?
Yes. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no extra emergency fee. If you notice a tick you cannot remove or suspect your dog has been exposed to a tick-borne illness, bring them in any time.